Maywood Education Fair 2021

The Maywood Education Fair is an event created to bring educational opportunities and college resources to the city of Maywood and the surrounding communities in Southeast Los Angeles. It focuses on the importance of what Dr. Yosso (2005) calls community cultural wealth, which showcases the talents, strengths, and experiences that students of color have. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a college-going culture in the city of Maywood and the surrounding communities. The video below showcases how the day went in 2019:

In October 2021, we will host our 12th Annual and 2nd Virtual Maywood Education Fair. Originally a student’s class project, the Fair has evolved into an event hosted by the graduate students of the Master of Science in Higher Education program at California State University, Fullerton in coordination with the College of Education, the Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership, and the City of Maywood. Since 2009, our fair has educated more than 5,000 Southeast Los Angeles County students and their parents, about the college admissions process and financial aid. In 2020 we awarded 35 scholarships valued at $1,000 each for a total of $35,000 to college-bound students.

The Maywood Education Fair has evolved into an event organized, planned, and executed by the second year graduate students in the Master's of Science in Higher Education (MSHE) program at California State University, Fullerton. This annual event, going into its 12th year, is a great opportunity to demonstrate to students and their families the possibilities of pursuing higher education. In addition, the fair provides programs and workshops in financial aid, college admissions, community resources, and fun and engaging events for community members. Below is a picture of past scholarship recipients who came back and were part of a student panel.

The Maywood Education Fair has continued to expand every year while increasing awareness of college admissions, financial aid, and other resources to the residents of Maywood and the surrounding communities. Southeast Los Angeles is a predominantly Latinx, low-income, underserved community. Approximately 48% of students from Maywood and surrounding southeast cities graduate from high school, and of those, only a small percentage continue to pursue higher education. At the same time, we know there are many highly motivated, capable students and committed parents in this community. At the 2021 Fair, we will facilitate a series of workshops & webinars for all ages, including parents, & organize a virtual resource fair, with representation from colleges, universities, and community-based organizations throughout the area. As the picture below shows, students in this community are starting to imagine themselves as future college students.

The Maywood Education Fair has reached over 5,900 residents in the past 10 years. We aim to continue reaching out to more residents in Southeast Los Angeles and offering as many scholarships possible to deserving high school students. In 2020, we were able to award 35 scholarships of $1,000 each. Please see below for screenshots of the scholarship recipients in 2020!

Each year the MSHE cohort selects a theme for the year. This year the theme is:

“Empowering our Communities”

“Empoderando a Nuestras Comunidades”

The video below, by founder Jessica Barco, highlights how this event was started and how important it has become to the Maywood community.

Our goal this year is to be able to award at least 45 scholarships. This is where we need you. You can help us reach our goal of $45,000 by making a donation that will help us create a successful event.

Other ways you can help: Post on Facebook and Instagram! Tweet about us! Share our goals and campaign with your friends and family!

Donations of any amount make a difference and will assist in us reaching our goal. Thank you for reading and for your support.

Fundraising Committee

Maywood Education Fair 2021